What is Property Deeds: A Guide for UK Landlords
As a landlord in the UK, understanding property deeds is essential to protect your investment and ensure legal compliance. Property deeds are legal documents that outline ownership rights, property boundaries, and any restrictions or obligations related to the property.
Why Property Deeds Matter
Property deeds are crucial for landlords as they establish ownership, protect against property disputes, and provide a legal record of property transactions. Understanding property deeds can help landlords make informed decisions and protect their investments.
During initial registration, HM Land Registry retains a scanned copy of the original deeds while returning the originals to the submitting party, typically the solicitor or conveyancer involved.
How much do the Land Registry charge?
The Land Registry charges fees based on the type of transaction. These fees vary depending on the nature of the transaction, such as first registrations or property share transfers. While the specific costs for your property will be discussed with your solicitor, below are the details of the fee scales.
You can find full details of the fees at gov.uk.
Do I need my property deeds to sell my house?
If your property is registered with the Land Registry, you do not require the deeds to sell it. The Land Registry serves as the official record of land and property ownership in England and Wales, providing all necessary information for the sale process.
However, it's still advisable to keep a copy of your deeds for reference, as they may contain additional details like legal boundaries. If your property was registered when you purchased it, the original deeds might not have been handed over by the seller. While tracking down original deeds for frequently bought and sold properties can be challenging, you can request a scanned copy of the deeds from HM Land Registry by searching for your property's title number.
Storage and Safety of Property Deeds
Given their importance, property deeds should be stored safely along with other vital documents. A folder or filing cabinet at home provides a secure and accessible location for these documents, ensuring they remain protected and organized.
Dealing with Lost Property Deeds
If you misplace your property deeds, it's unlikely to result in permanent loss as they are typically digitally registered with HM Land Registry. However, if your property is unregistered, the seller holds the responsibility to provide the original deeds. It's crucial to keep them safe if you possess them.
In case you cannot find proof of ownership, contact the solicitors involved in the sale to submit a deeds request form to HM Land Registry. Remember, HM Land Registry only accepts requests through solicitors to prevent unsolicited communication. There may be a small fee for this service. If you still cannot locate the original deeds, you'll need to provide alternative evidence to establish your ownership status.
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